Best Camping in and near Watoga State Park

75% (4 reviews)

Discover Watoga State Park's lush landscapes and outdoor adventures.

Popular ways to camp

Community favorites near Watoga State Park

Book externally

Public campgrounds in the park
Book externally

Stay at a public campground in Watoga State Park

Beaver Creek Campground

38 sites · RVs, Tents In Watoga State Park

Riverside Campground

50 sites · RVs, Tents In Watoga State Park

Top-rated campgrounds near Watoga State Park

100%

(72)

River Trail Hollow

19 sites · RVs, Tents15 acres · Hillsboro, WV

-This Campground can only accept vehicle heights less than 10 feet (In order to fit under the Greenbrier River Trail bridge at Stamping Creek) GREENBRIER RIVER and TRAIL (GBRT) steps from your campsite -PEACEFUL, quiet, NO big rigs, NO generators, limited occupancy -DARK, no unnecessary lighting, fireflies are spectacular -COUNTRY STORE with rentals, beer, food, supplies - 0.5 mi -PET FRIENDLY -MARLINTON restaurants, shopping, tavern - 12 mi by road, 10 mi by trail -WATOGA STATE PARK, lake and pool - 5 mi -THE BEACH in Seebert yards away -Active MAPLE FARM on premises - https://hillsboromaple.com/ -TENT, VAN, POP-UP, tear drops, small trailers 10 FEET in height or less (must clear GBRT bridge to access) LOCATION: At junction of the Greenbrier River, Greenbrier River Trail and Stamping Creek, sits on approximately 40 wooded acres. Convenient to all Pocahontas County Attractions - Highland Scenic Hwy, Cass Scenic Railroad, Greenbank Telescope, Beartown SP, Falls of Hills Creek, Snowshoe Mountain Resort and more - https://pocahontascountywv.com/ AMENITIES: Primitive sites Porta-john Bath House Tables and fire rings at each site Firewood - 1st crate FREE, $5 per additional crate. COUNTRY STORE: Jack Horner's Corner - 0.5 miles downriver along Greenbrier River Trail. Open 7 days a week, 9am-9pm, Apr-Oct. Tubes, bicycle & kayak rentals. Fast food, soft-serve, craft beer, grocery, supply & souvenir sales. (304) 653-4515 CELL SERVICE LIMITED: 1-2 bars (good enough to text) at the beach; 2-3 bars (maybe a call) at store; Full signal at 219 (2 miles away)

85%

(26)

Gesundheit! Institute - Patch Adams

7 sites · RVs, Tents320 acres · Hillsboro, WV

Gesundheit! resides on a 320-acre pristine tract of farm + mountain land in rural West Virginia with gardens, meadows, creeks, waterfalls, a lake, clean air + water. We have more than two miles of trails through a beautiful hardwood forest ensuring your stay will be spent in close proximity to nature. Campsites are equipped with fire rings, access to clean drinking water, an outdoor shower + a composting toilet just a short walk from the sites. We offer fishing, canoeing, hiking, guided hikes, plant + mushroom walks, guided tours of the Gesundheit property, buildings, plus much more. We also grow many seasonal vegetables that are available for purchase during your stay. Ask us about availability when booking! The Gesundheit! Institute was founded by Patch Adams, M.D. + continues to function as a nonprofit focused on community health initiatives. We host many educational workshops throughout the year so make sure you check out upcoming events on our website at patchadams.org ! The beautiful Greenbrier River (the location of our favorite swimming hole) is a 5 minute drive down Locust Creek Rd + a 2 minute drive to the historic Locust Creek covered bridge. The small town of Hillsboro (birthplace of Nobel Prize winning author Pearl S. Buck) is 5 miles away with a restaurant (The Hillsboro Public House) + two gas stations. We are surrounded by the Monongahela National Forest with many state parks available less than a 15 minute drive from the property. There are many remarkable places to see while you're visiting; Cranberry Wilderness area, Watoga State Park, Bear Town State Park, Droop Mountain Battlefield State Park, the Highland Scenic Highway + a little further North up 219 is Snowshoe Mountain Ski Resort; a favorite for skiing + snowboarding, mountain biking, music (4848 Festival) + many other outdoor activities!

99%

(554)

James River Depot

6 sites · Tents30 acres · Glasgow, VA

An active hay field nestled between the river and the railroad. A great place to enjoy some R and R. We love to float the James and there is easy access to the river on our property. A beautiful field as well as some trees for added shade. Fun to hear the trains and the water as you get amazing views of the night sky.

97%

(35)

Ultimate private camping

1 site · RV, Tent235 acres · Hot Springs, VA

Since Hipcamp called to clarify... we are indeed offering the entire property to only one group at a time. You read that right you can camp anywhere on the property, move around, and feel free to stay multiple nights. This 235.51 acre property has all of the most sought-after characteristics: close to the amenities of Hot Springs and The Homestead resort, total privacy and protection, beautiful trout stream, direct access to hiking and mountain bike trails on the adjoining 3000 acres of National Forest, and a 60-mile sunset view. It offers over 1,000 ft of vertical gain. The property includes a half mile of Cowardin Run. With generally mild winter weather, the property is perfect for experience the magic of the Allegheny Mountains. Significant improvements to the road with addition of culverts and a top coat of stone were done over the 2023-2024 winter. We offer the same low light level as the International Dark Sky Park in Millboro for excellent astronomy and night-sky viewing. *Note: Game trail cameras in use - they are not hidden and are not for the purpose of video surveillance* *Note: During business hours Environmental Specialist, VDOF or USDA may visit to check in on the forest/structures/habitat. *

100%

(1)

Beaverdam Falls

3 sites · Lodging65 acres · Covington, VA

Nestled on a private 65-acre farm in the Alleghany Highlands of Virginia, Beaverdam Falls is located on VA SR-311 (Kanawha Trail) in the Sweet Springs Valley. Nestled in the old community of Earlehurst, between Covington & Roanoke, Beaverdam Falls are an historic series of waterfalls on private property. The Falls are at the headwaters of Dunlap Creek and are the terminus for the Sweet Springs. Available for guest stays & recreation, are the Upper Falls portion. Surrounded by the verdant George Washington National Forest, the Upper Falls, displays a constant waterfall of around 40-feet in height, & decorates the final mile stretch of the Sweet Springs, both on our property. Additional beautiful cascades pepper our tract of Beaverdam Falls as well. This private tract of unparalleled Virginia countryside will simply astonish your expectations. As the source of the Falls, Sweet Springs Creek, serves as a long, unique home for trout, calcified travertine rock, chalybeate water, and ancient beaver dams (as well as active ones!). Beaverdam Falls is a rare place for the lack of stone and the centuries of beavers who have left their trace in & on our creek—and swamp, the Stick Marsh, which has an active beaver dam. Be careful! They do bite!

96%

(84)

Mountains,Woods,Ponds, Natural

20 sites · RVs, Tents300 acres · Lewisburg, WV

Learn more about this land: We have 4 ponds on our property we have open areas, wooded areas, we raise cattle, sheep and chickens. All of the acreage has mountainous views. Our town of Lewisburg is 15 minutes away. Lots to do and enjoy. We sell beef, eggs, firewood, and seasonal vegetables. We also have a Porta potty now on the property for use.

100%

(5)

Baber Mountain Sanctuary

11 sites · Tents30 acres · Richwood, WV

High above historic Richwood WV, Baber Mountain Sanctuary offers a unique setting at elevation 3,700 ft. on the top of the eastern Continental Divide. 30 acres are available from primitive camping to glamping and everything in between. The historic 1912 Baber farmhouse sleeps up to 12; a nearby cabin sleeps up to 8 (bring your own bedding for the cabin). Pump your own fresh potable water. Indoor toilet in the house is available for campers, if needed. Site can accommodate multiple small RV's and camper vehicles. Solar, pasture, and wooded sites are plentiful. A Little Laurel feeder stream bounds joyfully down a cozy corner of the property. Wildflowers and plants abound. A level walking path around the top affords wonderful views of sunrises and sunsets and a 360 degree panorama. Multiple bonfire pits, wood provided. Wild edible famous (and infamous!) ramps (pungent and delicious wild leeks) are available in early spring as well as greens such as polk and milkweed seasonally, mushrooms, and many medicinal plants. Richwood hosts the world’s largest and oldest Ramp feed but they are better dug and cooked fresh on-site In early spring. Catering and cooking are available upon request. No poisonous plants or snakes; and mosquitoes and ticks are rare due to elevation. Game is plentiful, including deer, foxes, rabbits, turkeys, hawks, eagles and even very, very, rare bear and cub sightings Baber Mountain is off a little-used backcountry road, so let the dogs and critters run free. They will be happy because this is the last dwelling on the grid and there is no place to run off to! The historic 1912 house has been completely restored and has the feel of a an Air B & B. The house is an art gallery unto itself and features various regional artists as well as original mosaics created by Dr. Bob Henry Baber, former Mayor and current Poet Laureate of Richwood. Bob Henry is a widely published Appalachian poet, master storyteller and historian who will be your guide and host. Bob Henry can conduct "Make a Memory" Mosaic Workshops and Journaling/Creative Writing Workshops upon request for individuals and/or groups. He is an expert on Appalachian, West Virginia, and Richwood History. Upon request Bob Henry will conduct fireside chats with interactive storytelling, including original children's ' stories. Free literary gifts suitable for framing, such as A Bed Tyme Rhyme, will be complimentarily to all guests. Signed editions of his novel, Pure Orange Sunshine, and other books are for sale. Within in a few minutes are the stunning resources and scenery of the West Virginia Highlands. The Monongahela National Forest offers the Cranberry Glades, Hills Creek Falls, the 37,000 acres Cranberry Wilderness (which grew by 17,000 acres in 2006 and for which Dr. Baber received the National Wilderness Society Hero Award), the Scenic Highway (one of the best in the country, but closed for the winter) the Cranberry Glades, the Nature Center and numerous hiking trails and swimming holes. Fishing is stupendous in the stocked Cranberry, Williams and Cherry rivers. Autumn rivals and even surpasses New England's foliage due to the diversity of trees here where north meets south. Leaves peak around October 15. Wishing for a White Christmas, just like the ones we used to know? Chances are 3 out of 4 we will have one. Want to camp but pamper Grandma at the same time? This is the perfect place! You and the kids can stay outside, she will enjoy the quaint comforts of the house. Fishing, swimming, kayaking, hiking and picnicking opportunities abound. Stunning Summersville Lake is 30 miles away, with beautiful backwater kayaking within 20 miles. Baber Mountain is in the middle of charming Fayetteville, Webster Springs, Snowshoe Ski Resort, Marlinton, and historic and charming Lewisburg. At Baber Mountain Eco-tourism can be explored from old growth timber on-site to nearby clear-cutting, strip-mining for coal and wind generation. Hundreds of miles of backcountry roads depart from the entrance to Baber Mountain and can accommodate biking, dirt biking, horseback riding, four-wheeling and more. Forget about the Hatfield and McCoy Trail. Why share the road when you can have it all to yourself? Baber Mountain Sanctuary is ideal for romantic getaways, reunions, educational retreats, spiritual gatherings, alternative weddings/honeymoons, personal growth and development retreats and so on. Bird, Moon, and Milky Way Star gazing are a must. Disc Golf is coming! Civil War buff? Nancy Hart, a civil war Confederate spy who tricked her way out of jail, is buried just up the road. Also nearby is the Baber Mountain family cemetery. There's more, much more to tell, I can't wait to meet you and share Almost Heaven, West Virginia. See You Soon! 🦋🍒🌺🌸🎉❤️

94%

(122)

Camping at Lazy River Farm

3 sites · Lodging, Tents20 acres · Iron Gate, VA

Learn more about this land: Lazy River Farm has so much to offer. Tents sites are in a wooded setting, on a beautiful hill, spread out for privacy. Camp sites also have fire pits with wood ready for you at your site. Camp sites can be accessed with a 4 wheel drive vehicle or all wheel drive, a short walk up to your site. With easy access down to the river, you can cool off in the beautiful Cow Pasture River. Glamping in the Vardo Wagon is another option, with its close proximity to the river and cozy interior. Rent kayaks or paddle boards if you want to go on beautiful floats that wont disappoint you, (paddle boards and kayaks are available for free if you paddle near the farm) drop in a line to fish, or simply sit by the river and listen to the soft rapids. Lazy River Farm is a working farm, with lovely Scottish Highland Cattle as well as pigs, chickens and horses. Your welcome to come and pet the animals or even possibly help feed them. Nearby there are vineyards and breweries, the beautiful historic Masonic Theater, C&O heritage center, miles of back roads to explore, as well as local restaurants. Lazy River Farm and Gala Adventures offer many activities, on and off the farm. Contact us directly for a full range of what we have to offer, or have questions regarding any site.

100%

(9)

High Lonesome Alleghany

6 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents960 acres · Callaghan, VA

A rarity on the East Coast, these high and lonesome 960 acres will leave you stunned, awestruck, refreshed, invigorated. Steep mountains and deep hollows of mixed forestland surrounded on three sides by National Forest. Explore for hours, almost certainly without seeing a soul. Beautiful Lake Moomaw awaits just over the mountain. See the Milky Way bisect the dark night sky, while a haunting serenade of barred owls, whippoorwills, katydids, and other nocturnal wildlife invites you to wonder. Multiple available campsites offer different levels of access and privacy. All sites require a medium-clearance vehicle, preferably 4x4, or possibly landowner transport via side-by-side. We have a few spots for car camping, and hundreds of acres of hike-to dispersed camping (plus the thousands of acres of adjacent National Forest camping). High Lonesome is a vast, rustic place, with few amenities other than solitude and beauty. Spotty cell reception. No electricity. No running water, save a few clean and gurgling natural springs. No toilets. No sirens, no traffic, no artificial lights, no neighbors. *April 2024* We've recently had a fire that burned a relatively small portion of the property. Campsites are all accessible, safe, and undamaged, but campers will drive past several acres of charred understory (and will hopefully find it fascinating).

100%

(32)

Green Acres

13 sites · RVs3 acres · Clifton Forge, VA

This property has 8 sites MESSAGE US FOR DETAILS REGARDING OUR AMENITIES AND FACILITIES. Check us out on Facebook at... GREEN ACRES VA CAMPING ... if interested in tent sites. Read the top post for instructions on renting tent sites. We are officially permitted and licensed by the State of Virginia to operate and run a campground. Please read individual site descriptions for specific details for the sites. Not all sites are the same. There is also info available at our facebook page. We have a Charcoal Grill (includes spatula, tongs and turning fork) available to rent for $10 (fee is for entire length of stay). Come camp on the peaceful banks of the Cowpasture river. This is a great place to come to get away from the noise and just relax. The river depth along the property ranges from a few inches to 6ft. Most sites offer partial shade. Open field area for playing games. Large communal fire pit beside the river. We also have a communal Shelter that has two booth style tables under it. Nearby places of interest including Falling Springs waterfall, Humpback Bridge, Lake Moomaw, Douthat State Park...all within less than an hours drive. Only a few minutes from the closest town, incase you need food, supplies, fuel, etc. Please note that not all cellular providers have service at this location. I know that Verizon does. Pack trash out with you.

99%

(77)

Camping in the shade on the river

1 site · RV, Tent60 acres · Eagle Rock, VA

Learn more about this land:Very secluded spot right on the river. Large fire pit. 12by40 pavilion. Great area for wade fishing. Right between to state boat ramps one 20 min upstream is the Iron gate ramp one an hour down stream is the Glen Wilton boat ramp. Picknick tables on site.

100%

(10)

Snowshoe Valley Camping & Glaming

9 sites · RVs, Tents20 acres · Slatyfork, WV

Close to Snowshoe Mountain, at only 1 mile drive from the entrance to Snowshoe Mountain Resort. This is a great spot for mountain bikers and river lovers. So close to snowshoe and affordable makes this an easy decision. Also the wildlife, flowers, and river on the property make this a truly powerful place. There is some traffic and noise from the road but it quiets down through the night and all you can hear is the trickle of the stream. We have a lovely 20 acre are that has easy to pull up to camp sites and some that take a short walk but are able to camp right near the river bed. We offer camping for all ranges of groups and travelers. We have campsites for tents, cars and vans, big RV's and Trailers, and then group sized sites. Please contact us and we can accommodate you in any size or style. We have cheap options for the solo and travelers on budgets and we have some nice options to get furnished tents and private fireplaces, with private river views and beach/play areas. Contact us with any questions or comments. You can google us anytime and Snowshoe Valley Camping.

The best camping near Watoga State Park guide

Overview

About

Why Watoga? We’ll tell you. Perfectly positioned in the Pocahontas County mountains, West Virginia’s largest park is just secluded enough to offer relaxation, but not so isolated that you’ll have to fend for yourself. Forty miles of hiking trails are threaded throughout, a few of which are bike-friendly. If you’re here overnight, the camping and cabin accommodations are large enough that you’re guaranteed to find the perfect place to cook up whatever you caught on the 11-acre lake. And, if you’re traveling with your little learners, the park’s seasonal educational programs will answer every question they have about the Watoga wilderness. (Plus, they’ll love the solar-heated swimming pool!)

When to go

The ideal time to visit Watoga State Park is from late spring to early fall, when the weather is warm and the park's full splendor is on display. Summer months offer the perfect climate for all activities, though they can be the busiest. Consider a trip during the shoulder seasons for a quieter experience. Winter can be harsh, with some facilities likely to be closed, so plan accordingly.

Know before you go

Check weather conditions before your visit to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience amid Watoga's varying terrain.
Be aware of park hours, typically from 8:30am to 5pm, and plan your activities within this timeframe.
Stay informed about any trail closures or area restrictions that may be in effect during your visit.
Ensure you have all necessary permits for fishing or other regulated activities within the park.
Remember to pack out all trash, respecting the park's natural environment and wildlife.